What's up with Skookum boats..?

I'm looking to buy a 9' or 10' cataraft, so contacted BadCat, WaterReady, and Skookum to get a handle on their respective cats, as they seem to have the best products.

Both Shawn at BadCats and Bruce at WaterReady responded to my queries almost immediately, and were very helpful and informative.

And then there is Skookum boats. During the past two weeks I have left voicemails on 3 seperate occasions, and sent them 3 emails to their web address as well. And have yet to receive a reply by either phone or email.

So at this point it obviously will either be a Badcat or WaterReady, both fine products...

Yes, Bill Day had health problems for quite awhile. When he passed, I'd say that was the toll of the bell for Skookum boats. That's the LAST production boat I'll ever buy. Back to only doing customs again.

I bought a Steelheader Guide in February. Bill's daughter, Jennifer, has taken over the business. I imagine she is somewhat in transition - she still lives in Mill Creek but is moving the business to Redmond Oregon, and is also going to school.. I am surprised she has not got back to you as she was very prompt in answering my emails and calls. I wouldn't give up on their boats - while I do not have much experience to compare, I looked at the same boats and am very happy with my Guide.

Dave, Skookum was already in Redmond. I'm thinking Jenn may be moving down there. Bill moved down there a few years back. Thinking everything is probably already setup for down there, she may just be moving herself there since it's all setup. I just figured she was going to run the shop until all the orders were out and call it quits. Glad to hear she is taking over. Bill had a few other plans last we spoke about the business, maybe she's going to get those in order so that can happen.

I talked with Jennifer at Bill's memorial service in Bend and she said the she intends to run the company. I think she has the same passion for boat building as Bill. I floated the Deschutes yesterday in my Steelheader II and it was like driving a sports car for maneuverability. I'd leave another message.

I've got an early Skookum Osprey frame and can echo others' comments about the quality of Bill's designs and build quality.

FWIW though, since you live in Salem, it might also be worth a call to Andy & Bax in Portland. They have a significant whitewater boat department that carries all the major makers, frames, tubes, oars and accessories (http://www.andyandbax.com/boatdepartment.bax?cart=126962473117159652) When I last dealt with them a couple years ago, they were happy to put together cataraft packages that were (at the time) significantly less than those I found elsewhere. I bought my Cataract MiniMag oars from them at a significantly lower price (even including shipping) than I was able to find here in Seattle - and without sales tax!

I've got an early Skookum Osprey frame and can echo others' comments about the quality of Bill's designs and build quality.

FWIW though, since you live in Salem, it might also be worth a call to Andy & Bax in Portland. They have a significant whitewater boat department that carries all the major makers, frames, tubes, oars and accessories (http://www.andyandbax.com/boatdepartment.bax?cart=126962473117159652) When I last dealt with them a couple years ago, they were happy to put together cataraft packages that were (at the time) significantly less than those I found elsewhere. I bought my Cataract MiniMag oars from them at a significantly lower price (even including shipping) than I was able to find here in Seattle - and without sales tax!

K

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Appreciated the tip, so I called AndnBax and they sent me a detailed quote for a 10" cat...cost was pretty much the same as buying the equivalent BadCat or WaterReady, and their frames are generic knock-offs....

I talked with Jennifer at Bill's memorial service in Bend and she said the she intends to run the company. I think she has the same passion for boat building as Bill. I floated the Deschutes yesterday in my Steelheader II and it was like driving a sports car for maneuverability. I'd leave another message.

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And please offer some support and encouragement. I may not know jack about 'toons but Bill's passion for quality and performance was very evident to me. This is wonderful news!

I too was seriously looking at a Skookum since December, I really really like the 10' guide. I don't think you can go wrong with it. My concerns were the same as yours regarding the company health. Alas... today I finally settled and purchased a Sotar 12.5'x22.5" Legend with a custom NRS Alley cat frame. Way more money, but I am happy for the moment. Happy Birthday to me! <grin>
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Rick